Astros report: Cosart soon will have a shot at rotation spot

Within 36 hours, the Astros said three different things about Jarred Cosart’s short-term future and the club’s open fifth-starter spot.

An hour before the League City native made his MLB debut against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Friday, assistant general manager David Stearns brought clarity to the organization’s immediate plans for one of its top pitching prospects and how the club intends to handle a spot opened when No. 2 starter Lucas Harrell was sent to the bullpen.

Cosart will return to Class AAA Oklahoma City on Saturday, re-enter the RedHawks’ rotation so the 23-year-old righthander remains on schedule, and participate in the Class AAA All-Star game in Reno, Nev.

During MLB’s All-Star break, the Astros’ front office and manager Bo Porter will evaluate the club for the second half of the season.

At that time, the Astros are expected to make a decision about their fifth starter.

Cosart, who held Tampa Bay to two hits in eight innings in his debut, will be a candidate, as will everyone from Harrell and major league relievers Jose Cisnero and Brett Oberholtzer to minor league starter Brad Peacock, who began the year with the Astros.

“No one’s been excluded. … The list goes on and on and all these guys have starting experience, and it’s just a question of what’s the right fit and we’ll mull it over,” Stearns said.

As a result, the Astros likely will enter the break with only four starting pitchers: righthander Bud Norris, righty Jordan Lyles, veteran lefthander Erik Bedard and lefty Dallas Keuchel.

Maxwell returns from disabled list

Outfielder Justin Maxwell was activated from the disabled list after Friday’s game in Tampa Bay.

Jarred Cosart, who earned a win after eight innings of two-hit ball in his major league debut on Friday, was sent back to Class AAA Oklahoma City to make room on the roster for Maxwell.

Maxwell was placed on the seven-day concussion disabled list after suffering concussion-like symptoms after attempting a diving catch on June 25 against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Front office eyes All-Star break

Assistant general manager David Stearns acknowledged the Astros aren’t pleased with their current state.

With the July 31 trade deadline approaching and more roster moves expected, the organization will continue to evaluate itself while refusing to rush key prospects.

“We want to play better, and we know that and the guys here want to play better, as well,” Stearns said. “We’ll take the All-Star break to evaluate things and continue to evaluate the roster over the next three weeks. We’ll see where we are at the end of the month and go from there.”

Signings bring youth infusion

The Astros reached deals with two international free agents: shortstop Frankeny Fernandez and outfielder Felix Lucas, both 16 years old.

Both players will report to the Astros’ complex in the Dominican Republic.